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Dalbergia_nigra - (Vell.) Allem?o ex Benth.

Common Name Brazilian Rosewood
Family Fabaceae
USDA hardiness 10-12
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Hygrophilous forest on rich soils[ 338 ]. Well-drained soils on hillsides, both in the interior of dense, primary forests and also in secondary growth areas of the Atlantic rainforest[ 419 ].
Range S. America - Brazil.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Dalbergia_nigra Brazilian Rosewood


https://edibleplants.org/
Dalbergia_nigra Brazilian Rosewood
https://edibleplants.org/

 

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Summary

Other common names are Bahia Rosewood, Jacaranda da Bahia, Rio Rosewood, Piano wood, Cabiuna, and Obuina. Found in South America, Brazilian Rosewood or Dalbergia nigra is a popular timber species used in high grade furniture and musical instruments especially pianos. It can also be used as ornamental tree and as pioneer species in restoring agroforestry. It is highly resistant to insect attacks. The wood is rose-scented, very heavy, and highly durable. It is considered as vulnerable species on the international IUCN Red List.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Dalbergia_nigra is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Amerimnon nigrum (Vell.) Kuntze Pterocarpus niger Vell.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Agroforestry Uses: Although fairly slow growing, the tree is suitable for use in reforestation programmes within its native range, and is especially suited for use where the soil is dry[ 419 ]. Other Uses: A very decorative and valuable wood that varies in colour from brown to chocolate brown or violet, streaked with black[ 46 ]. It is rose-scented; straight grained; medium texture; very heavy; of high natural durability and has excellent working qualities[ 46 ]. It is used for cabinet work, is particularly valued for pianos, luxury furniture, handles of fine tools, marquetry, billiard tables etc[ 46 , 419 ].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position[ 419 ]. Succeeds in dry soils[ 419 ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[ 419 ]. The plant has a moderate rate of growth[ 419 ]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[ 755 ].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days[ 419 ]. Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months[ 419 ]. Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[ K ].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

bahia rosewood, brazilian rosewood, cabiúna-rajada, caviúna, jacaranda, jacarandá-cabiúna, jacarandá-caviúna, jacarandá-da-bahia, jacarandá-preto, jacarandá-roxo, jacarandá-una, palisandre, palisandro del brazil, rio rosewood, rosewood (brazilian)

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Bahia (south), Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais (east), Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Status: Vulnerable A1cd

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Dalbergia nigraBrazilian RosewoodTree20.0 10-12 MLMHNDM004

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(Vell.) Allem?o ex Benth.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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